Italy, 1943

"Yes, I think it works."

Peggy kept her body stiff until she was at a good distance from Howard's workshop. Once she was sure she was out of anyone's sight –of Steve's sight, especially–, she leaned against the wall and took a deep breath, trying to put some order into her thoughts.

She was angry. Really, really angry. The image of Steve kissing that blonde girl kept haunting her and making her blood boil. She knew it didn't make any sense, she knew she had no right to feel betrayed, but still, she couldn't help it. She had thought Steve Rogers was different. She had thought... Well, nevermind, because she had been obviously, painfully wrong. He was just like all the rest, and he deserved to... oh.

She had just fired four shots at Captain America.

Oh, God. She was completely insane.

Of course, she hadn't mean to hurt him –not much, at least–, and she knew she wouldn't. Steve had one of Howard's shields, and anything designed by Howard was undoubtedly bulletproof. But even so, she thought now, it had been dangerous and nonsensical. She had risked the life of the nation's greatest soldier just because he had kissed another woman. For God's sake, they were nothing but partners! Whoever Steve kissed had nothing to do with her. And even if it had, wasn't his safety –his life– more important than her hurt pide? What would he think about her now? Probably, that she was a stupid girl unable to handle her emotions and act like a soldier.

"Oh, God," she whispered, messing up her hair with one hand. "What's wrong with me?"

"I have some ideas about the uniform."

"Whatever you want, pal."

Steve stood next to Howard for an entire minute, motionless. Good heavens, he thought. Peggy Carter was rather scary sometimes, but... God, what a woman.

And she was walking away.

Because he had been stupid enough to kiss another girl. Well, it had been her who started the kiss, actually, but that wasn't the point. The point was that Peggy Carter was walking away from him. "Oh, God." He exchanged looks with Howard, who muttered a quick "Good luck!" as Steve started running after the woman.

Peggy heard his footsteps a few seconds before seeing him. Her first reaction was to walk away. She couldn't tell whether she was more ashamed or angry, or both, but she definitely was not in the mood for...

"Agent Carter!" He was right behind her. Of course, he had super-human speed, damn it. Still, she didn't stop.

"Peggy!" he called again. He stretched his arm towards her, and she instinctively prepared herself to shake him off when he grabbed her... but he didn't. Surprised, she looked back. He had stopped a few steps behind, and there he stood now, his palms up and a look of... could it be regret? No, that was not po...

"Peggy, I'm sorry."

Steve was feeling like a stupid. Not only had he taken the liberty of calling her Peggy, but he had also tried to grab her. What was he going to do? Holding her against her will and forcing her to listen to him? God, a few months ago he wouldn't even have been able to reach her, and they both knew it. Fortunately, he had stopped before touching her, but he knew she had seen his gesture. He was a complete moron.

But she had stopped. And she was looking at him. It was now or never.

"I'm sorry," he repeated. "I shouldn't have questioned your friendship with Howard. Even if you two were really... Well, I mean..." He could feel the heat of a flush running up his face, but he forced himself to speak. "What I'm trying to say is that your private life is none of my business, so... I'm sorry."

Peggy was staring at him, her beautiful red lips curved into a surprised "o". Steve continued talking. "And I'm sorry about... about that kiss," he added. "But I really didn't see it coming, and... well, I know this is going to sound ridiculous, but I just didn't know how to stop her without being rude." He lowered his head. "I guess I really know nothing about women."

Peggy was completely stunned. She didn't know what to say –she didn't even know what to feel. Steve was apologising to her.

Suddenly, the remembrance of another apology hit her mind. It was back in New York, the day that Steve had been injected with the serum. A HYDRA agent had stolen the last serum sample and was running away on a car after having killed Dr. Erksine. Peggy had tried to stop him, but Steve –that new, big, strong Steve– had pushed her aside so the car wouldn't hit her. Peggy had been angry. "I had him!" she had shouted. Of course, she didn't expect an answer, although she wouldn't have been surprised with a cocky reply arguing that she should be thankful or something. However, Steve's answer had been a simple "sorry". As if he had done something wrong. As if he didn't doubt that Peggy could have stopped the man. Peggy had liked that "sorry". And it was happening again now.

The initial astonishment was turning into something warmer, but before she could tell what it was, guilt and embarrasment appeared as she remembered the four shots she had fired. Her cheeks went almost as red as her lips while she spoke:

"Steve..." she started. She realised she was looking at her feet and she raised her head to look him in the eye. "Captain Rogers," she continued, trying to keep her voice cold and professional, "I'm the one who should be apologising, not you. In the first place because, as you've said about me, your private life is none of my business. But more importantly, there is no excuse for having fired a gun at you. My behaviour was dangerous and childish, and for that I apologise."

It was Steve's turn to be surprised.

"Agent Carter, I've seen you shooting before. Your aim is impeccable. You were pointing at the shield, not at me."

But Peggy couldn't shake the guilt off so quickly. She frowned.

"What if the shield had not resisted the shots? I couldn't be sure."

"Come on," Steve said, smiling. "It's Howard's stuff we are talking about. We both knew it would work."

This time, Peggy's lips curved into a smile and her frown disappeared.

"I guess that's true", she admitted. "But still, I'm sorry."

"So am I," returned he.

A/N: Well, here it is. My first Steggy fic. I hope you guys enjoy it! Also, if you find any mistakes, please let me know. I'm not a native speaker and I would appreciate anything that helps me to improve my English. I'll post more soon!

Disclaimer: I don't own any of the characters in the story.